"Whenever there is a conversation about the future of computing, is discussion inevitably turns to the notion of a 'File'. After all, most tablets and phones don't show the user anything that resembles a file, only Apps that contain their own content, tucked away inside their own opaque storage structure. This is wrong. Files are abstraction layers around content that are necessary for interoperability. Without the notion of a File or other similar shared content abstraction, the ability to use different applications with the same information grinds to a halt, which hampers innovation and user experience." Aside from the fact that a file manager for Android is just a click away, and aside from the fact that Android's share menu addresses many of these concerns, his point still stands: files are not an outdated, archaic concept. One of my biggest gripes with iOS is just how user-hostile the operating system it when it comes to getting stuff - whatever stuff - to and from the device.

Disagree entirely. As much as I also think it would be nice for people to take the time to learn this stuff, it's hardly critical in life. A proper educational foundation gives you technology independent valuable timeless life skills. Such as reading good (sic) or being able to solve algebra problems (Or indeed being able to speak like someone who has read a book at some point in their lives.)

The vast vast vast majority of people using computers now really don't understand their file system well. Maybe you hang out with far more intelligent people than me, but I've hit a mental brick wall when I start explaining the file system to people (usually the elderly, kids are good at grasping new ideas). It's glazed eyes and vacant smiles all the way.
If Apple (or anyone else) can provide a useful computing tool that removes the need to express the file systems in the traditional way then why not.

How many people understand that exposure is a combination of aperture and shutter speed? They still take pictures just fine though. I'm vaguely aware about how my car works - you put the expensive fluid in the hole and turn the key. At one in point in time, it was necessary to know a lot more about it if you wanted to own a car.